Top 11 States With The Highest Minimum Wage In 2024

The fight for fair wages is gaining momentum across the United States. The state of Massachusetts has long been a pioneering state in the movement. In 1912, it enacted the nation’s first minimum wage law. Soon after that first law, many other states followed suit.

Inflation has become the second most important issue for voters, and President Joe Biden often gets the blame for it. Connecticut is leading the way by passing laws tying future pay raises to inflation rates. Will it be enough to make sure workers’ wages keep up with the rising cost of living?

Methodology/Disclosure: Washington, D.C., currently has the highest minimum wage in the country at $17 per hour, but since it isn’t a state, it didn’t make our list today. This list is based on data published by Statista Research Department on February 16, 2024.

Washington

Washington is renowned for its progressive policies, and its minimum wage of $16.28 reflects that. This wage is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Washington’s largest city, Seattle, was one of the first cities to implement a $15 minimum wage. This truly establishes them as a trailblazer for higher wages!

California

California’s minimum wage is a respectable $16, earning it the second-highest spot among the states with the highest minimum wages. Starting April 1, the minimum wage for fast-food workers in California will rise to $20 per hour. It will be 25% above the state’s regular minimum wage, with the possibility of the state raising it by up to 3.5% each year.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, on January 1st, 2024, the minimum wage was increased to $15.69. The state has seen a gradual increase in its minimum wage over the past few years, starting at $11 per hour in 2019. The law in Connecticut now says that starting this year, the minimum wage in Connecticut will change every year based on a national measure of inflation in the labor market.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, the minimum wage is set at $15.13, placing it at number four among the top states for the highest minimum wage. Do you think they can pronounce “minimum wage” correctly with those thick Jersey accents? Either way, the higher-than-usual minimum wage shows the state is committed to supporting its workers and fighting income inequality!

Maryland

Maryland’s minimum wage increased to $15 an hour on January 1, 2024. In 2019, Maryland became the sixth state to approve legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15. It was originally set to take effect in 2025, but Maryland Governor Wes Moore accelerated the timeline to 2024 when he signed the Fair Wage Act of 2023.

New York

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New York’s minimum wage is $15 an hour, reflecting the state’s efforts to ensure fair wages for its residents. In New York City, the cost of living is really high. Even though the minimum wage is $16, half of NYC residents are facing difficulties meeting their basic needs. Nonprofit organizations like United Way of New York City and Fund for the City of New York advocate for a more rapid increase in the minimum wage, aiming to reach $21.25 by 2026.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the minimum wage is set at $15. In 1912, Massachusetts enacted the first law in the United States mandating a minimum wage! The state also provides the highest unemployment benefits in the country! Both of these reflect the state’s broader commitment to supporting workers with both adequate wages and robust social safety nets.

Colorado

Colorado’s minimum wage is $14.42, and it has been increasing for several years. In 2022, it was only $12.56. Renowned for its majestic Rocky Mountains, outdoor recreation opportunities, and progressive attitudes, Colorado attracts nature enthusiasts and free spirits alike.

Arizona

In Arizona, the minimum wage is $14.35 an hour. Arizona’s minimum wage rose from $13.85 to $14.35 on January 1, 2024. “We look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, and we see how that has increased from year to year and then we increase the minimum wage accordingly,” said Trevor Laky, a member of the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

Oregon

Oregon’s minimum wage is $14.20, demonstrating the state’s efforts to ensure livable wages for its workers. The minimum wage varies by location, with rates set at $14.20 for non-rural counties, $13.20 for rural counties, and $15.45 for the Portland metro area. Oregon is widely recognized as one of the most left-leaning states in the country, so it’s no surprise its minimum wage is higher than most.

Maine

Maine’s minimum wage is $14.15 per hour, making it one of the top states for minimum wage rates. Taking into account the cost-of-living index for America’s northeast region, Maine bumped up the minimum wage from $13.80 to $14.15 per hour. Known for its rugged coastline, delicious lobster rolls, and quaint coastal towns, Maine offers a quintessential New England experience.